Internships and Hysteria
10:24 PM
At this rate, these pages will become my homepage.
Where's the TARDIS and the Doctor when I need him? That big flying blue box has enough room for two companions!
Junior year of college is starting soon, and it's dawning on me (it has been slowly for a while) that I need to find a proper footing into a career. As much as I want to be a novelist, I have to be realistic. I can write and update on my writing (which I am lagging on, I'm so sorry!) as much as I want, but the process of getting a book publish can take years. And as much as I want to dream the impossible dream, I can't do that if I have no proper financial support to fall back on.
So, time to roll into the internship game as a huge underdog. I lived a sheltered life and haven't had any proper work experience or volunteer experience to make myself an outstanding candidate. I'm sure if I whipped up a resume right now, it'd look pale and measly. The first thing to be chucked out, I'm sure! But, breaking out of my comfort zone is key for a successful life, and I need to start now. I'm sure I'm already late to the game!
Thinking about trying to apply and getting rejections already make my hands clammy with sweat! I honestly don't want a repeat of my senior year of high school, learning that I got rejected to all of the colleges I applied to except one and that one being the most expensive school.
Time to tie up my hair, pick myself up and scrounge through internship listings, and crossing my fingers in hopes of finding one to help me break into the field and help me understand the literary and publishing world!
Have you ever done an internship? What was the experience like? What is the number once advice you would give about trying to find and apply for an internship or while working as an intern?
Are you looking for an internship too? How's the hunt?
2 comments
I've done three internships so far, and I think the important thing to remember is to be realistic. Maybe try volunteering for a semester somewhere first to get experience and then apply for an internship next semester. However some places may choose you based on eagerness and school skills.
ReplyDeleteInternships are great, and they give you a lot of exposure to what working in the field is like, but sometimes you have to be proactive if you feel you aren't getting enough out of it too. Ask lots of questions and perhaps ask to talk to some of the higher-ups (if you're interesting in pursuing the same career path) and see what their experience has been like and any advice they have. Don't just treat is as a temporary gig, and your supervisors will recognize your initiative and perhaps give you more responsibility.
Does your school have a career center or some place like that? They could give you listings of available internships in the area, or at least put you in touch with a couple of organizations that set up internships for college students. I don't know what type of internships you're looking for, but they might be able to help you.
I know it's not a lot, but I hope this helps!
This is definitely great advice. Thank you!
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